“They say third time is a charm, but for me it took seven times, so I’m super happy,” Khachanov said after prevailing in 93 minutes. “Not most importantly that I beat Stefanos, but I think with the way I’m playing. After the Australian Open, I had some issue with an injury. I came back in Dubai without having played many matches and I’m just happy to continue that level.
“I just want to continue that way, enjoy the process, and enjoy the journey.”
Khachanov controlled the match by winning 88.6 per cent (39 of 44) of his first-serve points.
Meanwhile, Tsitsipas never won consecutive games during the watch. He had 11 aces among 29 winners and committed 14 unforced errors.
Khachanov will face either 25th-seeded Francisco Cerundolo of Argentina or Lorenzo Sonego of Italy in the quarterfinals. Those two men were playing later Tuesday.